What’s the least you can do and still be healthy? We all want to be as healthy as possible, but sometimes it isn’t easy to prioritize health in a busy lifestyle.
We’ve put together some of the best ways to stay on top form if you’re looking for an easy fix.
Exercise regularly
One of the most important things you need to do to stay healthy is to exercise at least a little daily. You don’t have to be a marathon runner or Olympian; even getting up from your desk and going for a short walk can significantly affect your health.
If you haven’t exercised much for a while, it’s essential to take it easy at first. Injuries are common if you haven’t warmed up properly or simply if your muscles aren’t used to exercise.
Get A Good Nights Rest
Sleep is essential for so many different organs in our body. Regularly getting a good night’s sleep has been linked to a better brain, heart, and digestive health.
However, for many people getting to sleep at night is a struggle. Maybe you’re thinking about work or worried about your finances; many things make it hard to switch off.
Try putting your phone away 20 minutes before you go to bed and read a book or even just take this time to meditate and find peace within yourself. This way, you are allowing the body to activate the parasympathetic nervous system, getting ready to wind down for the night.
Hydration Is Key
This may not seem essential, but it is – in more ways than one!
It’s recommended that humans drink around 1.2 to 1.5 liters of water daily: about six to eight glasses. Dehydration can cause headaches, reduce your energy levels, dry skin, and even cause you to overeat.
Carrying a reusable water bottle is a great way to remind yourself to drink, and it helps reduce the amount of plastic you use when you’re out and about.
Keep Your Stress Levels Low
I know this is always easier said than done – especially today, where humans literally function off their high cortisol levels. But we highly encourage you to try and bring that down as much as possible.
Everyone is bound to feel stressed at some point in their life. However, feeling stressed for long periods can lead to emotional and physical burnout.
High-stress hormone levels of cortisol and adrenaline for an extended period may also lead to heart disease. Now, this isn’t to make you even more stressed about your stress but it is always good to know!
Ways you can reduce your stress include:
- Infrared saunas
- Going for walks
- Meditating
- Exercise
Reduce Alcohol Consumption
While many of us love to head to the pub in the evening, drinking excessively regularly can harm our health.
Alcohol has been linked to some cancers, liver disease, and brain damage. It can also lead to hangxiety and reduce our productivity for the next day.
In the UK, it’s recommended that you drink less than 14 units every week. Although we are not saying cut it out completely, it is a good idea to be conscious on how much you are drinking and whether or not it is heavily impacting your everyday life.
Cut Down or Stop Smoking
Smoking is very addictive and very harmful to your health. While it’s easy to start smoking, it’s much harder to give it up.
Vapes and electronic cigarettes should be able to help satisfy your nicotine cravings, and research suggests that they are much healthier for you than smoking cigarettes. However, they are not a healthier alternative in the long run.
If you are serious about your health, we suggest reducing your usage moderately and slowly weaning yourself off until you no longer need a cigarette or a vape to get through the day.
Keep In Touch With Your Friends
Social interaction is essential for our mental well-being. Spending time with friends and family is vital for keeping your brain healthy.
Diseases like dementia and Alzheimer’s have been linked to a lack of social interaction. Spending time with friends also boosts your mood and is a great way to take a break from work.
Like Your Mom Always Told You, Eat Your Greens
Sticking to a healthy diet is essential for staying in good health. There is no doubt we don’t all love a good pizza or greasy burger as a treat, but eating fruit and vegetables is necessary.
Not only do they give us healthy carbohydrates, but they also fill our bodies with essential vitamins and minerals. Additionally, fibre is also very important for digestive health and can help prevent digestive problems.
Look After Your Mental Wellbeing
Your mental health and your physical health are very closely linked.
Physical problems can cause anxiety, stress and depression. Taking care of how you feel is a crucial way to stay healthy. These days focusing on your mental health will have a huge and positive impact on your physical health and vice versa.
Making sure you are surrounding yourself with people who don’t increase your cortisol levels or make you feel bad about yourself is a good start or even just talking to someone twice a month can really help.
Take Care Of Your Digestion
Problems with your digestive system are relatively common later in life so it’s vital to act early to try and prevent them.
As mentioned earlier, eating plenty of fibre is a great place to start. Fibre is essential for keeping your digestive system functioning well and can be found in fruits and vegetables.
Keeping good gut health can have a positive impact on how you feel on a daily basis.
Meditation
We know this isn’t for everyone, but don’t knock it until you try it. Taking a few minutes to yourself daily can transform your mental and physical health. Sitting quietly and focusing on your breathing has been shown to help your physical and psychological health.
Relax and Take A Break
It’s essential to take time away from work when you can; maintaining a high focus for months is challenging without suffering from burnout or exhaustion.
Take a break and spend time with friends or family; even spending a few days watching TV could do you and your body good!
We always say if you don’t rest when you have the chance to, your body will find a way to force you too, and we don’t want that!
